This Is America: Milwaukee Brewers Josh Hader Receives Standing Ovation After Apologizing for Previously Sending Racist, Homophobic and Misogynistic Tweets

On July 18th racist, homophobic and misogynistic tweets from MLB Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Josh Hader resurfaced.

In the tweets he used the word n*gger multiple times. He wrote, “I hate gay people.” He made an allusion to white power and said he needed women for sex, cooking and cleaning.

The tweets were sent out between 2011 and 2012 making Hader 17 at the time. He said the tweets were inexcusable, but used the excuse that he was a child and immature at the time.

“It’s just something that happened,” said Hader. “I was 17 years old. As a child, I was immature. I obviously said some things that were inexcusable… I’m deeply sorry for what I’ve said and what’s been going on. That doesn’t reflect any of my beliefs now.”

Hader will essentially face no repercussions for his tweets from MLB.

“The Office of the Commissioner will require sensitivity training for Mr. Hader and participation in MLB’s diversity and inclusion initiatives,” Major League Baseball said in a statement. “Those of us that have come to know Josh do not believe that these posts are representative of his beliefs. He has been a good teammate and contributor to the team in every way.”

In addition to facing no repercussions for his tweets, Hader received a standing ovation last Saturday when returning to the field for the first time since the controversy.

Aren’t standing ovations reserved for heroic people and valiant efforts? What warrants a standing ovation for a White male apologizing for using hateful language six to seven years ago?

In the same sports world where athletes are fined and nationally ridiculed for kneeling in protest of murders, it’s startling to see a crowd proudly applaud this.

SportsNet New York’ Taylor Rooks agrees.

Did the crowd applaud him for apologizing? Or did they applaud him for haven previously shared the same sentiments they now do?

Formulate your own opinions, but it’s clear that privilege has swooped in for the win again. This time, for Josh Hader.

Photograph: Associated Press

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Bryant Lydell

Bryant Lydell is creative, personable and quick-witted Howard and USC alum. He's the founder of The Top Tea, a songwriter, screenwriter and member of the casting team for Netflix's NAACP Image Award-winning hip-hop competition series Rhythm + Flow.

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